How to Write 数 (number, strength, fate, law, figures) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 数 (“number, strength, fate, law, figures”), indexed under the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical. Practice 数 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 数 (かず (kazu) — number), 数える (かぞえる (kazoeru) — number).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (数)
Primary Radical (部首): 攴 — ぼくづくり (strike)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Tapping, governing, discipline, and intentional action
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (スウ, ス, サク, ソク, シュ) when 数 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かず, かぞ.える, しばしば, せ.める, わずらわ.しい) when 数 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 数 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 攴.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 数
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 数 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 数 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 数 ("number, strength, fate, law, figures") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical. At 13 strokes, 数 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 数?
For 数 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is スウ, ス, サク, ソク, シュ and the Kunyomi is かず, かぞ.える, しばしば, せ.める, わずらわ.しい. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (スウ, ス, サク, ソク, シュ) when 数 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かず, かぞ.える, しばしば, せ.める, わずらわ.しい) when 数 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 数 includes 数 (かず (kazu) — number), 数える (かぞえる (kazoeru) — number).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 数 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 数 (number, strength, fate, law, figures), start with the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) in the Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri)) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 数 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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